Monday, September 3, 2018

Idris Elba is by most all accounts, an excellent actor. But despite many accolades and awards, Idris, is of course, only human. During his recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show, he experienced a very human moment - and displayed a classic nonverbal tell.

Just after Graham Norton says, "... a-, but we have to say, it was a-, your American accent has not always been - that good."

As Idris says, "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm", he sucks his cheeks inward (1:06). Often times this MAP (Manipulator, Adaptor, Pacifier) involves biting the insides of one's cheeks with a mild-to-moderate degree of force. This cheek-biting indicates significant anxiety.

It's important to note that this dynamic of biting the inner cheeks has the effect of pursing the lips forward - but this is a secondary effect - and does not carry the same meaning of a primary forward lip purse. Be careful not to mistake the two expressions.

A second later, his central forehead is contracted and elevated (along with his inner eyebrows). Mr. Elba's central face has grown tense. His nostrils are flared. Simultaneous with his inner cheek biting, Idris' lips take on an additional slightly sad configuration.

Kate Winslet then displays a bilateral full palm-of-hand (full palmar) contact with her upper sternum/heart region as well as her lower sternum as she says, "My insides ...".

Her nonverbal signal indicates both elevated empathy and high sincerity.

As she finishes her sentence, "... are constricting for you right now", Ms. Winslet, also physically constricts her fists.

SUMMARY: Despite being outstanding actors, when Idris Elba and Kate Winslet are not in-character (and just being themselves), their body language gives us glimpses into their psyches.

Subscribe To Body Language Success

As a Body Language Expert & Physician, I've benefited dramatically from the Art and Science of Nonverbal Communication for more than 20 years.

______________________________

This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.

This website serves as a reference source for the art and science of Body Language/Nonverbal Communication. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. In an effort to be both practical and academic, many examples from/of varied cultures, politicians, professional athletes, legal cases, public figures, etc., are cited in order to teach and illustrate both the interpretation of others’ body language as well as the projection of one’s own nonverbal skills in many different contexts – not to advance any political, religious or other agenda.